HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1319

BYRepresentatives Ebersole, Locke, Wang, Winsley, R. King, Pruitt, Appelwick and Jacobsen

Adjusting the starting times of legislative sessions and elected officials' terms.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; R. King, Morris, O'Brien, Rector and Sayan.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (3)

      Signed by Representatives McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins and Silver.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)

AS OF HOUSE SECOND READING MARCH 7, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Regular sessions of the Legislature are held annually starting on the second Monday of January.  During even-numbered years regular sessions are 60 days, while in odd-numbered years regular sessions are 105 days.

During its first session following the election of state officers, the Legislature meets to canvass the votes for elected officers as provided in the state's Constitution.  The state officers include the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Public Lands, and Insurance Commissioner.  Their terms of office are for four years and start on the Wednesday after the second Monday of January following the election.

Each house also meets to judge the election, returns, and qualifications of its newly elected members, as provided for in the Constitution.

SUMMARY:

Regular sessions of the Legislature held in odd-numbered years commence on the second Monday of February.  On the second Monday of January of each odd-numbered year, the Legislature is required to meet to:  canvass the votes for elected state officers; judge the election, returns, and qualifications of its members; and administer the oath of office to state officers and members of the legislature.  The Legislature may elect its officers and adopt rules of procedure at this meeting but it may not pass legislation unless it is convened in regular or special session as provided for in the state's Constitution.

The terms of the elected officers of the legislative and executive branches of state government begin on the second Monday of January following their election.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.